Tiramisu Cake Coffee Mascarpone (Printable)

Soft sponge layers with coffee syrup and creamy mascarpone filling, finished with cocoa powder.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Layers

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 4 large eggs
06 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Coffee Syrup

09 - 3/4 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
10 - 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Mascarpone Filling

12 - 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, cold
13 - 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
14 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Assembly

16 - Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
17 - Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add butter and vanilla extract; mix well.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - For the coffee syrup, stir together espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
08 - For the mascarpone filling, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks in a chilled bowl. In another bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
09 - To assemble, slice each cake layer horizontally for a total of four layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and brush generously with coffee syrup.
10 - Spread a quarter of the mascarpone filling over the cake. Repeat layering with remaining cake, syrup, and filling, ending with a mascarpone layer on top.
11 - Cover and chill the assembled cake at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
12 - Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and optionally garnish with chocolate shavings.

# Tips from dashanddishes:

01 -
  • The magic happens when coffee soaked cake meets clouds of mascarpone cream, creating layers that taste like a cafe in Italy
  • Unlike traditional tiramisu, this version slices beautifully and feeds a crowd without compromising on that beloved espresso flavor
02 -
  • The coffee syrup must be completely cool or it will melt the mascarpone filling and create a sad, soupy mess
  • Slicing cake layers horizontally seems intimidating but a long serrated knife and slow, steady sawing motion makes it surprisingly easy
03 -
  • If your mascarpone looks even slightly grainy or curdled, press it through a fine mesh sieve before folding with the cream
  • Room temperature ingredients are not optional here, cold mascarpone will never blend smoothly and you will end up with lumpy filling